Page 48 - World of Animals - Deadly Predators

15

Amazing

facts

Kites

These birds use stealth and

wiles to make up for their

lack of strength and speed

Words Victoria Williams

1. How many species 4. How do kites defend

of kite are there? their territories?
Around 25 species of bird are referred Like other birds, kites will
defend their territories
to as kites, all belonging to the family
Accipitridae. Within the family, kites can and nests with loud calls
and attacks on would-be
be further divided based on their DNA
intruders. Scientists in
and behaviour: birds in the subfamily BLACK KITE
Milvinae are known as milvine, soaring Milvus migrans Spain noted multiple black
Lifespan Up to 22 years kites collecting bits of
or large kites, while those grouped in
Adult weight 550-950g white plastic and using it
the subfamily Elaninae are called elanine, (19.4-33.5oz)
hovering or small kites. A few species in Conservation status to decorate their nests. It
appears that large amounts
the subfamily Perninae are also classed
of white rubbish signal to
as kites, including the hook-billed kite
and the Cuban kite. LEAST CONCERN rivals that a kite is strong
and successful, and willing © Getty
to take on anyone who
comes too close.

2. What do kites eat? © Getty 5. Are kites
fast flyers?
Belonging to different subfamilies and Kites aren’t the fastest or
living in a range of environments, kites most agile of the birds
have evolved to eat a variety of creatures. of prey, although they’re
Many species live mainly on invertebrates, capable of making quick
lizards, and small birds and mammals. turns when they need
Some species are specialists; the snail to. Most rely on surprise
kite catches large aquatic snails called when they hunt, picking up
apple snails, while the bat hawk flies at speed as they dive from
high speed in pursuit of bats leaving the sky or a perch towards
their roosts at dusk. Coastal kites like the unsuspecting prey.
brahminy kite scour the shore for dead
fish and crab, stealing food from other SNAIL KITE 6. Where do kites live?
Rostrhamus sociabilis Kites can be found across
birds or hunting live prey when there’s
Lifespan Up to 25 years,
nothing to scavenge. average around 9 years the globe, from the
Adult weight 300-570g Australian bush to the
(11-20oz) fields of Europe. Many
Conservation status
species live in Africa and
the Americas, but some
can also be spotted
LEAST CONCERN
soaring in the skies over
North America and Asia.
Every continent presents
3. Are kites social birds? Most kites are solitary, living only with different opportunities
their mates and offspring, although large groups can sometimes and challenges, so each
kite species has evolved a
be seen soaring together on the same thermal. Mississippi kites are diet and lifestyle to suit its
among those who nest in colonies. unique habitat.

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